Justin Johnson - October 25, 2000
Along Highway 101 near Shelton, Justin saw a motorcycle on fire, and stopped to
help the stranded motorcyclist. While he was standing behind his car getting out
a fire extinguisher, he was hit by a car driven by a 22-year-old woman.
The woman, Joell Dodge, suffered a broken arm and was issued a $480 citation for
second-degree negligent driving, police said. Johnson's right leg was severed below
the knee. His back was torn open, and his pelvis was crushed. He was flown to Harborview.
Family friend Richard Erdman said the cost of medical care for Johnson - 14 surgeries,
the therapy and the hundreds of units of blood - have topped $2 million. Johnson's
father is disabled. His mother, Donna Johnson, works for the state Department of
Health. Her insurance doesn't cover the $21,000 for a prosthetic leg, nor does it
cover the cost of a wheelchair or ramps for their home.
Mark Loftus - February 3rd, 2004
New member, Mark Loftus, is recovering from a few broken bones from a 20 MPH bike
accident. He spent one night in the hospital, is still in a wheel chair, and is
staying with John Twogood while he recovers.
A card and a $50 gift certificate for dinner at the Outback was sent to Mark after
his Motorcycle accident.
Ray Pitts - August 9th, 2004
Ray was hurt while coming back from Sturgis. He was hit in the knee by a large rock
that bounced up out of "no where" and was bleeding pretty badly. He then rode to
the nearest town, got stitches, then rode the rest of the way home. The bike took
the brunt of it and the tank was damaged but other than that it's still looking
good.
The rock may have been thrown up by a truck ahead but no one is really sure how
it got airborne.
Connie Gibson - April 6th, 2005
Connie Gilson, a North Kitsap ABATE member, went down on her bike Wednesday evening,
April 6th, 2005. Her bike is quite banged up. Thank goodness she is not hurt any
worse than she is. She is home recovering from extensive bruises and bumps.
A driver pulled out in front of her on Bethel Way. Not leaving her enough room to
stop or any escape route.
Allen Lucart - July 7th, 2005
Allen Lucart, a North Kitsap ABATE member, went down on his bike late Thursday evening,
July 7th, 2005 in Kingston and was airlifted to Harborview ICU.
He took almost a year to recover from a head injury and still can’t remember the
itself accident or some events a few days before.
He's now shopping for another bike.
Lucy Haisch - July 8th, 2006
It is with deep sadness that I must report that my dear friend Lucy Haisch lost
her five year battle with cancer this past Saturday, July 8th.
Lucy who was 56 years young passed peacefully in the early morning hours in her
home. She gave it her best effort to beat this devastating disease, five years of
chemo therapy and all the side effects, many hospital stays and was always hopeful
until near the end. She just kept on goin', never complained about her pain or discomfort.
She was an active member of ABATE N. Kitsap chapter as well as with many other activities
in the community. Those who had the privilege of knowing Lucy will always remember
her as an extremely caring and generous woman with a good heart, willing to help
out whenever, or wherever she could!!
While we are sad for our loss, we are relieved for Lucy, we pray that she is in
a much better place free of all her pain, riding "Blue" her bike, which was her
passion!
For more info contact: Paula Cranford at: pjoakley@yahoo.com or 360-509-1769
Chris Gotz - September 8th 2006
Christopher A. Gotz, 40 was found near the intersection of Tulin and Arness roads
in Indianola. It appeared he'd crashed a motorcycle, but his body wasn't discovered
until Sept. 17. He is survived by his son Noah.
"Step" Stephenson - October 26th, 2006
Step Jim "Step" Stephenson passed away peacefully at age 54 years young on October
26 after a 6-month battle with cancer. Step had been a Bremerton resident and businessman
in Manette for nearly 30 years as owner of Step’s Chop Shop - a motorcycle repair
and parts shop specializing in Harley-Davidson motorcycles (although he was known
to work on the occasional foreign bike if it was a real emergency.
Step was born in Benge, WA, and enlisted in the Navy the year after graduating from
high school in Huntington Beach, CA, in 1970. He was a missile technician, serving
on the submarine USS ROBERT E. LEE for 6 years until his medical discharge for a
back injury. He was diligent about attending annual reunions with his shipmates.
Step’s Chop Shop was opened in 1978 across the street from the current location
in Manette and has been a fixture in the community ever since. The shop will remain
open to serve Step’s many loyal customers and friends under the capable hands of
his brother, "Lucky" Stephenson.
Step was a true biker (living and breathing Harley-Davidson) and was a true friend
to nearly everyone he met. He made many trips to the annual bike rally in Sturgis
and rode his motorcycles through every state except Alaska. He had many memories
and some wild stories from his trips. Over 400 motorcycles participated in a poker
run fund-raising event held for Step during his illness - a testimony to just some
of the lives he touched over the years.
In 2003, Step realized a life-long dream of completing his chopper. It is a tribute
to General Robert E. Lee, and he called his silver and gray chopper "Traveler" in
recognition of Lee’s war horse. Several other choppers in the county that were built
by him or in his shop are affectionately called the "Stepchildren" series.
In 1997, he met Della Dunning and June 5, 2004, his life was made even more complete
with their marriage. With that union, he gained a son (Amos), a daughter (Crystal
and her husband Ryan), and eventually 3 beautiful granddaughters (Kayla, Gracie
and Clarissa). He had 4 children, 7 grandchildren and thoroughly enjoyed being entertained
by his grandchildren.
He and Della were active with the Manette Community Church, supported the Kitsap
Bluejackets as season-ticket holders, and enjoyed attending Mariners games with
friends. In 2005, he discovered that the life of a fisherman was pretty enjoyable
when he made a 2-week boat trip up the inside passage and spent a week fishing in
southeast Alaska with friends.
For those who are able, donations may be made at any Bank of America branch to "Step’s
Fund." In honor of Step’s wishes, a memorial service will be held Saturday, November
11 at 12:00 noon at Manette Community Church. Until we meet again, goodbye dear
husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to many. You made a positive, life-long
imprint on all our lives and may you have peace knowing that.
Karen Bolin - October 30th 2006
From: "Ian King" <president@roadriders.org>
To: "WRRA" <roadriders@roadriders.org>
Subject: [ WRRA ] Karen
Date: Mon, 30 Oct 2006 22:40:29 -0800
My friends,
This morning, Karen Bolin lost her fight with cancer and left us. The disease was
vicious and swift, and we must be grateful to a merciful God that Karen's suffering
was quickly taken from her. And now we have our own pain with which we must come
to terms, as we grieve the loss of our dear sister and friend.
I've spoken with John, and something he said to me will stay with me for a very
long time: "Don't dwell on her last breaths, dwell on all the ones before that."He
challenged me to live life as she did, grasp the challenges as she did - and I replied,
that's a tall order. We're talking about Karen, after all.
I can think of a lot of things to say about Karen, but that comes later, when we
are together. Today, I wanted to let you know that Karen's pain is over. Her fight
- the fight for all of us, for our rights, our freedom, our liberty - will never
be over. But that's not Karen's fight anymore. It's yours, and mine. Remember Karen's
mantra: we ARE the government. "We The People" isn't just a catchy phrase, it's
the defining statement of the United States of America. It's you and me. Karen didn't
teach me that, but she made me *believe* it in my heart. I hope you believe it,
too - because now it's you and me. (But I have no doubt that Karen is already lobbying
in that Higher Jurisdiction. I sure hope Saint Peter rides, for his sake....)
Bruce Kingsland - January 20th 2007
After a valiant battle with cancer, Bruce Kingsland, Past Secretary of ABATE of
Washington, passed away at about 2:00 AM, Saturday, January 20, 2007.
He was also a member of GoldWing Touring Association, Motorcycle Riders Foundation
and a past member of Renton ABATE.
He was our friend and he will be missed. Our love and condolences go out to Marg
Webb, his friend and companion; and the Kingsland family.
"Lucky" Leslie - February 9th 2007
Claude "Lucky" Leslie passed away peacefully, at home on Friday February 9th, 2007,
after a long battle with cancer. He was 67 years young, born on March 12, 1939.
He was a Christian foremost, a retired Navy Veteran, a former member of North Kitsap
ABATE.
He is survived by his wife Velva, 2 sons George and "Buck", and 3 grandchildren.
His prayers for the safety of all riders will be missed and carried on in our hearts.
Rich Drippon - May 1st, 2008
Rich got nailed hard last week in Kingston in a head on collision with a big dog
who apparently has a history of chasing cars and people in the neighborhood.
It was touch and go for the first 3 days but he finally came out of a coma.
After alot of bitching and yelling they let him come home 1 week later.
He fractured 5 ribs badly and one of them punctured a lung and it collapsed. He
had to get his chest opened to get a drain put in and to see if they could get it
to inflate again.
He is still in a lot of pain right now and his whole right side is a mess.
The dog did a number on his new Ultra Glide too.
Lynne "Momma Lake" Barrett - August 23rd, 2009
Momma Lake, North Kitsap member and mother of a NK member, went down Sunday, August
23, on her return ride from the Kick Back in Lewis County. She was riding with other
members of NK. After the group stopped for coffee at the Buzz Inn, they proceeded
north on Hwy 101. About 1 mile north of Steamboat exit, she left the roadway at
speed into the median.
No one knows the whys and wherefores because the others did not note anything wrong
and Momma Lake has no memory of the incident. The last thing she remembers is the
group leaving the Buzz Inn. Momma Lake was transported to the hospital, by paramedics,
where she was checked out by the doctors and released.
By Monday, Lisa-Marie noticed that Momma Lake was having some difficulties and took
her to Harrison hospital in Bremerton where it was discovered that Momma Lake has
a compression fracture of the spine, a head concussion, a separated shoulder, and
fluid in her lungs. She is in a cast from shoulder to hip for immobilization of
the spinal fracture and the doctor said that she was lucky not to be paralyzed.
It is neither known how long she will be in the hospital nor how long she will be
unable to work due to her injuries. We can only hope that she will get well soon
and not suffer any long term disability. Right now, the best that can be said is
that she is stable but the doctors are monitoring some symptoms. It is unknown,
at present, whether there are any undetected internal injuries. Please keep her
in your thoughts and prayers.
To add insult to injury, she received a citation from WSP for failing to stay on
the roadway, $124.00 fine.
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